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The world of entertainment had once been Zee Pruk’s oyster. His honeyed voice, undeniable charm, and versatile acting had made him a household name, a beacon of inspiration for fans across the globe.
Yet, as quickly as the tides turn, so had his life. A scandal—unfounded but heavily sensationalized—had painted him as a villain in a narrative he hadn’t written. Projects were halted, contracts canceled, and the once-busy schedule that filled his days was now a yawning void of emptiness.
The silence of his home became deafening, and Zee found himself scrolling aimlessly through his phone. That was when he rediscovered ROV, a game he had once enjoyed in stolen moments between shoots and interviews. It was a small comfort, a return to something familiar in the chaos of his spiraling world.
He set up a new account, naming himself Bada (바다), Korean for “sea.” It was a reminder of what he once believed in: the sea, endless and full of potential. He chose Billow, a character whose resilience resonated with him, a small flicker of determination igniting in his chest.
That evening, Zee queued for a match. The first few minutes were smooth—his team coordinated well, and he found himself slipping back into the rhythm of the game. But halfway through, the tide turned. Zee was in the jungle, farming, when the enemy team ambushed them. Surrounded by the enemy, their team found themselves trapped and under heavy attack. Billow’s health dwindled alarmingly fast.
Just as things seemed hopeless, Doria, another player’s character, appeared and rushed to help. With perfect timing, Doria used her abilities to stun the enemies and disrupt their attack. Billow, now able to fight back, managed to secure a double kill. With the enemy pushed back, Billow and Doria led their team to a final push, winning the game with a clutch play.
“GG,” Zee typed into the game chat, feeling a warmth he hadn’t felt in weeks. (*GG = Good Game)
Later, in a moment of rare impulsiveness, he sent a private message to the player.
Bada: Hey, thanks for saving me back there.
nnzpp0910: No problem! That’s what teammates are for.
Zee froze. nnzpp0910? The username—his initials, ZPP, and his birthdate, 09/10—felt eerily familiar. Was this a fan? Curiosity piqued, he continued the conversation.
Bada: Do those numbers mean anything? Just curious.
nnzpp0910: Haha, yeah! It’s for Zee Pruk, my favorite artist. His birthday is 09/10. Are you a fan too?
Zee’s heart skipped a beat. He bit his lip, hesitant to reveal the truth.
Bada: You could say that. What do you like about him?
nnzpp0910: Oh my gosh, everything! His voice, his acting, his looks. I’ve been following him forever. Did you know he was working on something new before… you know, all that stuff happened? I don’t believe any of it, by the way. He’s too kind and talented for that nonsense.
Zee felt his cheeks flush. He was touched but also uncharacteristically shy. This stranger, this nnzpp0910, had unknowingly handed him the reassurance he’d been longing for.
What followed was a long, meandering conversation about their shared love for gaming, music, and anime. Zee learned that nnzpp0910 was a streamer named Nunew, whose soft-spoken voice and playful humor had earned him a modest but devoted following.
Nunew gushed about his favorite soundtracks, shared his gaming strategies, and even cracked a few silly jokes that had Zee chuckling softly in his chair.
Bada: Actually, I’ve been feeling pretty down lately and didn’t have much to do. Gaming’s been helping, though.
nnzpp0910: Aww, I’m sorry to hear that. The dark times will always pass. You just have to keep going. You’re stronger than you think. The you in the future will be thankful and proud of you for hanging on.
Zee’s chest tightened at the kindness in Nunew’s words, and he couldn’t help but feel moved. It was as though Nunew’s positivity was a lifeline pulling him out of his gloom.
nnzpp0910: I’d love to chat more, but I have to go now. Gotta prep for a stream later. Add me as a friend, though? We should play again sometime.
Bada: Definitely. Thanks again for everything. You’ve really made my day.
nnzpp0910: Aww, you’re sweet. And hey, if you’re ever lonely, DM me or hop into one of my streams, okay? I hope we can play together again—it was so much fun. Byeee~
That night, Zee searched for Nunew’s streaming channel and clicked on a compilation of his funniest gaming moments. There he was: a soft-spoken, chubby-cheeked young man whose laughter was infectious. He teased his viewers with playful banter, his personality oscillating between mischievous and downright adorable to excitedly jumping around while holding a crab toy and singing.
Viewer Comment Highlights:
“Your laugh cures my depression, I swear.”
“Protect this cinnamon roll at all costs!”
"Under the sea! Under the sea! Da-la-la-la~!"
Zee watched clip after clip, each one pulling him deeper into Nunew’s world. There was something magnetic about him, a warmth that felt genuine and unfiltered. Zee clicked on Nunew’s profile and hit Follow, turning on notifications to ensure he’d never miss a live stream.
A few days later, Zee’s company called him into a meeting. With external partnerships shaky in the aftermath of the scandal, they proposed reviving a long-forgotten song that Zee had started writing but never finished.
Zee agreed, and for the first time in months, he felt a spark of excitement. He spent hours revisiting the old lyrics, tweaking them and adding new verses. The melody began to flow naturally, but his thoughts kept circling back to Nunew.
Nunew’s infectious energy and heartfelt words became the muse for Zee’s renewed creativity. "Seeing your smile, It makes my heart fill with happiness. I want to see the smile on your face for a long time. " Within a few days, Zee recorded the song and shot the accompanying MV.
When everything was finally complete, Zee logged onto Twitter and typed a heartfelt message:
“Thank you for your endless support and love. I’m incredibly thankful. I wanted to give something back to you all, so here’s the link to the MV for ‘Always You.’ I hope it brings you as much joy as you’ve given me. You Smile, I smile.”
With a deep breath, Zee hit send. Closing his eyes, he allowed himself a moment of stillness, the anxiety and stress of the past few months beginning to lift.
A familiar ding from his phone broke the silence. Zee opened his notifications to see that Nunew was live. Smiling, he clicked on the stream.
Nunew: “Did you see Zee’s new MV yet? Oh my gosh, it’s AMAZING! He’s so talented… and his voice? Ugh, perfection. Let’s watch it together, okay?”
Viewer Comments:
“OMG, Newww, your Zee crush is showing!”
“Can someone get this boy some water? He’s thirsting for Zee.”
“WE KNEW IT. Your bias is Zee, admit it!”
The teasing in the chat made Nunew laugh, his cheeks reddening slightly. Zee couldn’t help but smile, his own cheeks heating as he watched. As the MV played, Nunew gushed over every detail, from the storyline to Zee’s outfits, voice, and dance moves.
When it ended, he was teary-eyed, his voice thick with emotion. “I’m so happy to see Zee singing again. He’s such a talented and kind person. I’ll always support him, no matter what.”
Viewer Comments:
“Don’t cry, sweetie, Zee would be so touched!”
“Protect this baby streamer! He’s too cute.”
“Zee better see this and be proud!”
The chat sent coral stickers en masse, urging Nunew to lighten the mood. With mock protest, he began dancing to the viral meme.
As Nunew danced to the “Under the Sea”, puffing his cheeks like a playful squirrel, Zee laughed aloud, his heart lighter than it had been in months. Nunew collapsed into his chair dramatically, feigning exhaustion, eliciting even more laughter from his viewers.
Viewer Comments:
“Someone call the Oscars! That performance was iconic!”
“Baby, take a break before you pass out. 5555”
“Who else wants a duet of this with Zee?!”
Nunew caught his breath, the smile never leaving his face. As he turned back to his screen, he decided to switch games. “Let’s play Hogwarts Legacy!” he announced cheerfully. “I’ve been dying to explore Hogsmeade properly. Maybe I’ll finally learn how to dodge trolls instead of face-tanking them!”
His laughter filled the air, and Zee watched as Nunew navigated the game world with endearing clumsiness. At one point, his character accidentally walked off a cliff into the sea below, prompting an eruption of teasing comments in the chat.
Viewer Comments:
“Even in Hogwarts, you find a way back to the sea. It’s destiny!”
“Newww, you don't have to literally go under the sea. 5555”
Nunew laughed, scrunching his nose as he adjusted his posture. “Okay, okay! I’ll try harder. No more unnecessary dives, I promise!”
But a small frown appeared as he opened his friends list in the game. His eyes scanned the names, hesitating before closing the menu. The brightness in his expression dimmed slightly.
“What’s wrong?” some viewers asked.
“Oh, it’s nothing,” Nunew replied with a pout. “I just made a new friend recently, but they’ve been busy, so we haven’t played again. I hope they’re doing okay.” He hummed dramatically, improvising a tune as he sang, “I miss you so BADAlyyyyyy”
Zee’s chuckled as his chest tightened at Nunew’s words. He hadn’t realized just how much his absence had been noticed. Without a second thought, Zee typed some words before he sent a donation to Nunew’s stream.
Bada: I’m here. Just wanted to enjoy your stream today. Sorry I’ve been busy with work. I’m doing well.
Nunew’s eyes lit up as his message popped up, clapping his hands excitedly. “Bada! You’re here! I missed you! Don’t be sorry; I’m just glad you’re okay.”
Viewer Comments:
“Aww, look how happy he is!”
“Bada is the real MVP for making Nunew smile like that.”
“Can we adopt Bada into this fandom?!”
Zee chuckled, his fingers flying across the keyboard.
Bada: You were like a prince saving the princess from monsters in that game last time. Thanks again, my prince!
Nunew turned red, laughing as he hid his face behind his hands. “Me, a prince? Bada Noona, you’re too kind! Should I call you Princess Bada?” Mistaking Zee for a woman, he teased back. (*Noona is a korean term a younger boy/man calls an older girl/woman)
Zee smirked, his playful side getting the better of him.
Bada: As you wish, my loyal prince. Do protect the kingdom well.
'User: Bada changed their username to: Bada Noona'
Nunew laughed so hard he had to turn off his mic and leave the frame momentarily. His viewers filled the chat with knowing comments.
Viewer Comments:
"Bada Noona 55555555"
“New has officially lost it. 555”
“I just know he's not coming back empty-handed 555555”
“We're about to get a Mukbang, guys 5555”
When Nunew returned, he was holding a plate piled high with sweets. He puffed his cheeks like a chipmunk as he stuffed himself, declaring it his “victory feast” for making his viewers laugh. Zee’s heart swelled at how effortlessly Nunew spread joy, even when simply being himself.
A new notification popped up on Nunew’s phone, causing his in-game character to nosedive into the sea once more.
“Oh my gosh, Zee posted something on Twitter!” Nunew squealed, jumping from his chair.
Viewer Comments:
“Here we go! Nunew fangirl mode activated!”
"Under the sea and to his Zee 555"
“Forget the game; this is what we’re here for!”
Nunew read the tweet aloud, his voice trembling with excitement.
“Thank you Zunshine, for all your supportive messages,” he began, his eyes shining with emotion. “It has brought me happiness and smiles these past few days, and I’m incredibly thankful. I also saw some reactions of you guys. So cute 555”
The chat exploded with excitement, and Nunew’s face was a mix of awe and pride.
“Zee must have seen your reaction,” a viewer wrote, sending a donation.
Nunew turned beet red, flustered but glowing. “It could’ve been anyone! But oh my gosh, if Zee really did see it… that’s crazy. I mean, my reaction wasn’t embarrassing, right?” He looked nervously into the camera, his wide eyes pleading for reassurance.
Viewer Comments:
“You were adorable, as always!”
“Embarrassing? Never! Zee probably loved it.”
“He better have seen it because we all melted watching you!”
Nunew laughed, his face softening as he leaned closer to the screen. “Thank you, guys. Really. I mean it when I say I’ll always support him. Zee’s music… his kindness… everything he does inspires me to be better.”
Zee swallowed hard, emotion welling up in his chest. For the first time in months, he felt truly seen—not as a celebrity, but just as a person.
He typed one last message into the donation box:
Bada Noona: Thank you, Nuu, for the lovely stream and brighten everyone's day. I have to go, but I’ll see you next time.
Nunew smiled shyly, reading the comment aloud. “You’re too nice, Noona. If you keep this up, I’ll get a big head.” He giggled, his voice soft and endearing.
As Zee closed the stream, his phone rang. It was his manager.
“Zee, Always You just hit #1 on several platforms and is going viral on TikTok! Companies are already calling with offers for acting and modeling projects. The company wants to leave the decision up to you though. What do you want to do for your next big project?”
Zee paused, his thoughts drifting to a certain someone.
Smiling, he replied, “I want to work on another song for now. And… I’d like to plan a fan meet. I have someone I’d like to thank in person.”
The world outside might still be messy and uncertain, but he had found a sanctuary—a small space filled with laughter, kindness, and hope, personified by one chubby-cheeked, sweet-voiced streamer.
Little did Nunew know that the very person he was supporting so wholeheartedly was the same man watching him from the shadows, grateful for every moment of joy he brought.